Who Lives In Fort Belvedere Now

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to spin about Fort Belvedere, a place that's seen more drama than a soap opera. You might think it's just another fancy schmancy palace, but oh, how wrong you'd be!

Once Upon a Time in Windsor

Let's rewind the clock to the 1950s. Fort Belvedere, perched on the Windsor Great Park, was the royal hangout for King Edward VIII and his wife, Wallis Simpson. Now, Wallis wasn't your average royal in-law. She was an American socialite who caused quite the stir when she became Edward's mistress, then wife, after he abdicated the throne. Talk about a plot twist!

But here's where it gets even more interesting. Wallis wasn't exactly a fan of the British weather or the royal protocol. So, she spent her time at Fort Belvedere like a modern-day influencer, hosting lavish parties and making sure everyone knew she was the queen of the castle. Well, almost.

From Royal Residence to Royal Mess

Now, you'd think that after all that drama, the fort would get a break. But no, it was about to become the stage for another royal soap opera. In the 1980s, it was home to Princess Margaret and her husband, Anthony Armstrong-Jones. Their marriage was as tumultuous as a stormy sea, with affairs, divorces, and more drama than you can shake a royal scepter at.

But here's where the plot thickens. After their divorce, Margaret decided to turn Fort Belvedere into a bit of a party pad. She hosted wild bashes, had a revolving door of guests, and even had a pet flamingo named Gerald. Yes, you read that right. A flamingo. Only the royals, am I right?

From Palace to Palace of Laughter

But all good things must come to an end, and so did Margaret's reign at Fort Belvedere. In 2002, the fort was handed over to the Crown Estate, and it's been sitting empty ever since. Or has it?

Rumors have been swirling like a royal tea party that the fort is haunted. Some say it's Wallis, still upset about the British weather. Others say it's Margaret, missing her flamingo days. But the real kicker? Some say it's King Edward VIII himself, still trying to figure out how to work the royal remote control.

But fear not, dear readers. The Crown Estate isn't leaving the fort to the ghosts. They've been busy restoring it, and it's set to become a luxury hotel. That's right, folks. Soon, you too can sleep where the royals partied, argued, and maybe even saw a ghost or two.

And They All Lived... Well, You Know the Rest

So, there you have it. The tale of Fort Belvedere, a place that's seen more royal drama than a season of The Crown. From Wallis and Edward's love story to Margaret's wild parties, it's been a palace of laughter, tears, and maybe even a few ghostly giggles. But hey, that's the royals for you. Never a dull moment!